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Guaraldi F, Ambrosi F, Ricci C, Di Sciascio L, Asioli S. Histopathology of growth hormone-secreting pituitary tumors: State of the art and new perspectives. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 38:101894. [PMID: 38614953 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2024.101894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Somatotroph (GH) adenomas/PitNETs typically arise from adenohypophysis and are biochemically active, leading to acromegaly and gigantism. More rarely, they present with ectopic origin and do not present overt biochemical or clinical features (silent variants). Histopathological examination should consider the clinical and radiological background, and include multiple steps assessing tumor morphology, pituitary transcription factors (PTFs), hormone secretion, proliferation markers, granulation, and somatostatin receptors (STRs), aimed at depicting as better as possible tumor origin (in case of non-functioning and/or metastatic tumor), and clinical behavior, including response to treatment. GH-secreting tumors are part of the Pit-1 family tumors and can secrete GH only (pure somatotrophs) or co-secrete prolactin (mixed tumors; in this case, various histological subtypes have been identified). Each subtype presents unique radiological, biochemical, and clinical characteristic. Therefore, the integration of biochemical, clinical, radiological, and histopathological elements is fundamental for proper diagnosis and management of pituitary adenomas/PitNETs, to be performed in referral Centers. In more recent times, the importance of genetic and epigenetic evaluation in the characterization of pituitary tumors (i.e., early identification of aggressive variants) has been outlined by some large studies, with the intention of improving targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Guaraldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ambrosi
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Costantino Ricci
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Luisa Di Sciascio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sofia Asioli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Burman P, Casar-Borota O, Perez-Rivas LG, Dekkers OM. Aggressive Pituitary Tumors and Pituitary Carcinomas: From Pathology to Treatment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:1585-1601. [PMID: 36856733 PMCID: PMC10271233 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Aggressive pituitary tumors (APTs) and pituitary carcinomas (PCs) are heterogeneous with regard to clinical presentation, proliferative markers, clinical course, and response to therapy. Half of them show an aggressive course only many years after the first apparently benign presentation. APTs and PCs share several properties, but a Ki67 index greater than or equal to 10% and extensive p53 expression are more prevalent in PCs. Mutations in TP53 and ATRX are the most common genetic alterations; their detection might be of value for early identification of aggressiveness. Treatment requires a multimodal approach including surgery, radiotherapy, and drugs. Temozolomide is the recommended first-line chemotherapy, with response rates of about 40%. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as second-line treatment in PCs, with currently no evidence for a superior effect of dual therapy compared to monotherapy with PD-1 blockers. Bevacizumab has resulted in partial response (PR) in few patients; tyrosine kinase inhibitors and everolimus have generally not been useful. The effect of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy is limited as well. Management of APT/PC is challenging and should be discussed within an expert team with consideration of clinical and pathological findings, age, and general condition of the patient. Considering that APT/PCs are rare, new therapies should preferably be evaluated in shared standardized protocols. Prognostic and predictive markers to guide treatment decisions are needed and are the scope of ongoing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Burman
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund
University, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Olivera Casar-Borota
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology; Uppsala
University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University
Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Luis Gustavo Perez-Rivas
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München,
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80804
Munich, Germany
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Endocrinology & Clinical
Epidemiology), Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA
Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Alzoubi H, Minasi S, Gianno F, Antonelli M, Belardinilli F, Giangaspero F, Jaffrain-Rea ML, Buttarelli FR. Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Promoter Methylation in Recurrent Adult and Primary Pediatric Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:494-505. [PMID: 34993885 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-021-09702-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neoplastic cells acquire the ability to proliferate endlessly by maintaining telomeres via telomerase, or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The role of telomere maintenance in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) has yet to be thoroughly investigated. We analyzed surgical samples of 24 adult recurrent PitNETs (including onset and relapses for 14 of them) and 12 pediatric primary PitNETs. The presence of ALT was assessed using telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization, methylation of telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) by methylation-specific PCR, and ATRX expression by immunohistochemistry. Among the adult recurrent PitNETs, we identified 3/24 (12.5%) ALT-positive cases. ALT was present from the onset and maintained in subsequent relapses, suggesting that this mechanism occurs early in tumorigenesis and is stable during progression. ATRX loss was only seen in one ALT-positive case. Noteworthy, ALT was observed in 3 out of 5 aggressive PitNETs, including two aggressive corticotroph tumors, eventually leading to patient's death. ALT-negative tumors (87.5%) were classified according to their low (29.2%), medium (50%), and high (8.3%) telomere fluorescence intensity, with no significant differences emerging in their molecular, clinical, or pathological characteristics. TERTp methylation was found in 6/24 cases (25%), with a total concordance in methylation status between onset and recurrences, suggesting that this mechanism remains stable throughout disease progression. TERTp methylation did not influence telomere length. In the pediatric cohort of PitNETs, TERTp methylation was also observed in 4/12 cases (33.3%), but no case of ALT activation was observed. In conclusion, ALT is triggered at onset and maintained during tumor progression in a subset of adult PitNETs, suggesting that it could be used for clinical purposes, as a potential predictor of aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Alzoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Simone Minasi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gianno
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Manila Antonelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Marie-Lise Jaffrain-Rea
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Buttarelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Sumislawski P, Rotermund R, Klose S, Lautenbach A, Wefers AK, Soltwedel C, Mohammadi B, Jacobsen F, Mawrin C, Flitsch J, Saeger W. ACTH-secreting pituitary carcinoma with TP53, NF1, ATRX and PTEN mutations Case report and review of the literature. Endocrine 2022; 76:228-236. [PMID: 35171439 PMCID: PMC8986667 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02954-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Sumislawski
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr.52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roman Rotermund
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr.52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke Klose
- Department of Internal Medicine/Endocrinology, Otto von Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne Lautenbach
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika K Wefers
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Celina Soltwedel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Behnam Mohammadi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Jacobsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Mawrin
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Flitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr.52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Saeger
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Lamback EB, Wildemberg LE, Gadelha MR. Current opinion on the diagnosis and management of non-functioning pituitary adenomas. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2021; 16:309-320. [PMID: 34678108 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2021.1988851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are clinically silent tumors and the second most common pituitary adenoma. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment as there is, as yet, no effective medical treatment. AREAS COVERED We present current knowledge on the clinical diagnosis, histopathological classification, molecular data, and management strategies in NFPA. EXPERT OPINION NFPA is a heterogeneous group of tumors, in respect to their origin and clinical course. In recent years, research on pathology and molecular biology have advanced our knowledge of NFPA pathogenesis. NFPA exhibit, in the majority of cases, an indolent behavior, with satisfactory response to treatment. In aggressive cases, multimodal management is needed; however, even this approach may be insufficient, so the development of new treatments is warranted for better management. In this setting, the understanding of the mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of NFPA is crucial for the identification and development of directed treatments with higher chances of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa B Lamback
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center/Endocrinology Division, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Neuropathology and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eduardo Wildemberg
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center/Endocrinology Division, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Neuropathology and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mônica R Gadelha
- Neuroendocrinology Research Center/Endocrinology Division, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Neuropathology and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
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Casar-Borota O, Boldt H, Engström B, Andersen MS, Baussart B, Bengtsson D, Berinder K, Ekman B, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Höybye C, Jørgensen JOL, Kolnes AJ, Korbonits M, Rasmussen ÅK, Lindsay JR, Loughrey PB, Maiter D, Manojlovic-Gacic E, Pahnke J, Poliani PL, Popovic V, Ragnarsson O, Schalin-Jäntti C, Scheie D, Tóth M, Villa C, Wirenfeldt M, Kunicki J, Burman P. Corticotroph Aggressive Pituitary Tumors and Carcinomas Frequently Harbor ATRX Mutations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:1183-1194. [PMID: 33106857 PMCID: PMC7993578 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Aggressive pituitary tumors (APTs) are characterized by unusually rapid growth and lack of response to standard treatment. About 1% to 2% develop metastases being classified as pituitary carcinomas (PCs). For unknown reasons, the corticotroph tumors are overrepresented among APTs and PCs. Mutations in the alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) gene, regulating chromatin remodeling and telomere maintenance, have been implicated in the development of several cancer types, including neuroendocrine tumors. OBJECTIVE To study ATRX protein expression and mutational status of the ATRX gene in APTs and PCs. DESIGN We investigated ATRX protein expression by using immunohistochemistry in 30 APTs and 18 PCs, mostly of Pit-1 and T-Pit cell lineage. In tumors lacking ATRX immunolabeling, mutational status of the ATRX gene was explored. RESULTS Nine of the 48 tumors (19%) demonstrated lack of ATRX immunolabelling with a higher proportion in patients with PCs (5/18; 28%) than in those with APTs (4/30;13%). Lack of ATRX was most common in the corticotroph tumors, 7/22 (32%), versus tumors of the Pit-1 lineage, 2/24 (8%). Loss-of-function ATRX mutations were found in all 9 ATRX immunonegative cases: nonsense mutations (n = 4), frameshift deletions (n = 4), and large deletions affecting 22-28 of the 36 exons (n = 3). More than 1 ATRX gene defect was identified in 2 PCs. CONCLUSION ATRX mutations occur in a subset of APTs and are more common in corticotroph tumors. The findings provide a rationale for performing ATRX immunohistochemistry to identify patients at risk of developing aggressive and potentially metastatic pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera Casar-Borota
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Olivera Casar-Borota, MD, PhD, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 75851 Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail:
| | - Henning Bünsow Boldt
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Britt Edén Engström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrinology and Mineral Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marianne Skovsager Andersen
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Daniel Bengtsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kalmar, Region of Kalmar County, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katarina Berinder
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bertil Ekman
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Research Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Höybye
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Otto L Jørgensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Jensen Kolnes
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts, UK
- The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Åse Krogh Rasmussen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John R Lindsay
- Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (BHSCT), UK
- Regional Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, UK
| | - Paul Benjamin Loughrey
- Regional Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, UK
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Dominique Maiter
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, UCL Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jens Pahnke
- University of Oslo (UiO) and Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Department of Pathology, Translational Neurodegeneration Research and Neuropathology Lab, Oslo, Norway
- LIED, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Camilla Schalin-Jäntti
- Endocrinology, Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David Scheie
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miklós Tóth
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Chiara Villa
- Department of Pathological Cytology and Anatomy, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes-Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Sart Tilman B35, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Martin Wirenfeldt
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacek Kunicki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pia Burman
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Lund University, Sweden
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Telomere length alterations and ATRX/DAXX loss in pituitary adenomas. Mod Pathol 2020; 33:1475-1481. [PMID: 32203094 PMCID: PMC8867890 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-0523-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes located at the termini of eukaryotic chromosomes that prevent exonucleolytic degradation and end-to-end chromosomal fusions. Cancers often have critically shortened, dysfunctional telomeres contributing to genomic instability. Telomere shortening has been reported in a wide range of precancerous lesions and invasive carcinomas. However, the role of telomere alterations, including the presence of alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), has not been studied in pituitary adenomas. Telomere length and the presence of ALT were assessed directly at the single cell level using a telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization assay in tissue microarrays. Tumors were characterized as either ALT-positive or having short, normal, or long telomere lengths and then these categories were compared with clinicopathological characteristics. ATRX and DAXX expression was studied through immunohistochemistry. We characterized a discovery set of 106 pituitary adenomas including both functional and nonfunctional subsets (88 primary, 18 recurrent). Telomere lengths were estimated and we observed 64 (59.4%) cases with short, 39 (36.8%) cases with normal, and 0 (0%) cases with long telomeres. We did not observe significant differences in the clinicopathological characteristics of the group with abnormally shortened telomeres compared to the group with normal telomeres. However, three pituitary adenomas were identified as ALT-positive of which two were recurrent tumors. Two of these three ALT-positive cases had alterations in either of the chromatin remodeling proteins, ATRX and DAXX, which are routinely altered in other ALT-positive tumor subtypes. In a second cohort of 32 recurrent pituitary adenomas from 22 patients, we found that the tumors from 36% of patients (n = 8) were ALT-positive. This study demonstrates that short telomere lengths are prevalent in pituitary adenomas and that ALT-positive pituitary adenomas are enriched in recurrent disease.
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Chen J, Schmidt RE, Dahiya S. Pituitary Adenoma in Pediatric and Adolescent Populations. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 78:626-632. [PMID: 31115468 PMCID: PMC6581558 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are rare in children and adolescents and although mostly benign, they can sometimes be challenging to manage due to their locally invasive nature. In this study, we examined the clinicopathologic features of 42 pituitary adenomas in patients ≤21 years of age. The youngest patient was 8 years old (median age: 18 years), and the female-to-male ratio was 1.8:1. Five patients had recurrence after resection. There was no obvious difference between the recurrent rates in the typical (11.7%) and atypical adenomas (12.5%) based on the 2004 WHO classification. However, the recurrence rate was much higher in adenomas with an elevated proliferation index of ≥3% (20.8%) or with evidence of local invasion (18.2%). Adenomas with combination of an elevated proliferation index of ≥3% and imaging evidence of local invasion had the highest recurrence rate of 25%. In summary, pituitary adenomas are more frequent in adolescents as compared with children and are more common in girls. An elevated proliferation index of ≥3% and evidence of local invasion on imaging seem to correlate with a high probability of recurrence. Furthermore, we observe rarity of α-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) protein loss (surrogate to ATRX mutation) in these tumors without any connotation on prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110
| | - Robert E Schmidt
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110
| | - Sonika Dahiya
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110
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9
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An Algorithmic Immunohistochemical Approach to Define Tumor Type and Assign Site of Origin. Adv Anat Pathol 2020; 27:114-163. [PMID: 32205473 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunohistochemistry represents an indispensable complement to an epidemiology and morphology-driven approach to tumor diagnosis and site of origin assignment. This review reflects the state of my current practice, based on 15-years' experience in Pathology and a deep-dive into the literature, always striving to be better equipped to answer the age old questions, "What is it, and where is it from?" The tables and figures in this manuscript are the ones I "pull up on the computer" when I am teaching at the microscope and turn to myself when I am (frequently) stuck. This field is so exciting because I firmly believe that, through the application of next-generation immunohistochemistry, we can provide better answers than ever before. Specific topics covered in this review include (1) broad tumor classification and associated screening markers; (2) the role of cancer epidemiology in determining pretest probability; (3) broad-spectrum epithelial markers; (4) noncanonical expression of broad tumor class screening markers; (5) a morphologic pattern-based approach to poorly to undifferentiated malignant neoplasms; (6) a morphologic and immunohistochemical approach to define 4 main carcinoma types; (7) CK7/CK20 coordinate expression; (8) added value of semiquantitative immunohistochemical stain assessment; algorithmic immunohistochemical approaches to (9) "garden variety" adenocarcinomas presenting in the liver, (10) large polygonal cell adenocarcinomas, (11) the distinction of primary surface ovarian epithelial tumors with mucinous features from metastasis, (12) tumors presenting at alternative anatomic sites, (13) squamous cell carcinoma versus urothelial carcinoma, and neuroendocrine neoplasms, including (14) the distinction of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma from well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, site of origin assignment in (15) well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor and (16) poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, and (17) the distinction of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor G3 from poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma; it concludes with (18) a discussion of diagnostic considerations in the broad-spectrum keratin/CD45/S-100-"triple-negative" neoplasm.
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10
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How to Classify the Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (PitNET)s in 2020. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020514. [PMID: 32098443 PMCID: PMC7072139 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenohypophyseal tumors, which were recently renamed pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET), are mostly benign, but may present various behaviors: invasive, “aggressive” and malignant with metastases. They are classified into seven morphofunctional types and three lineages: lactotroph, somatotroph and thyrotroph (PIT1 lineage), corticotroph (TPIT lineage) or gonadotroph (SF1 lineage), null cell or immunonegative tumor and plurihormonal tumors. The WHO 2017 classification suggested that subtypes, such as male lactotroph, silent corticotroph and Crooke cell, sparsely granulated somatotroph, and silent plurihormonal PIT1 positive tumors, should be considered as “high risk” tumors. However, the prognostic impact of these subtypes and of each morphologic type remains controversial. In contrast, the French five-tiered classification, taking into account the invasion, the immuno-histochemical (IHC) type, and the proliferative markers (Ki-67 index, mitotic count, p53 positivity), has a prognostic value validated by statistical analysis in 4 independent cohorts. A standardized report for the diagnosis of pituitary tumors, integrating all these parameters, has been proposed by the European Pituitary Pathology Group (EPPG). In 2020, the pituitary pathologist must be considered as a member of the multidisciplinary pituitary team. The pathological diagnosis may help the clinician to adapt the post-operative management, including appropriate follow-up and early recognition and treatment of potentially aggressive forms.
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Manojlovic-Gacic E, Bollerslev J, Casar-Borota O. Invited Review: Pathology of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours: present status, modern diagnostic approach, controversies and future perspectives from a neuropathological and clinical standpoint. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2019; 46:89-110. [PMID: 31112312 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumours of the adenohypophysis have traditionally been designated as pituitary adenomas to underline their usually indolent growth and lack of metastatic potential. However, they may demonstrate a huge spectrum of growth patterns and endocrine disturbances, some of them significantly affecting health and quality of life. To predict tumour growth, risk of postoperative recurrence and response to medical therapy in patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumours is challenging. A thorough histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnostic work-up is an obligatory part of a multidisciplinary effort to precisely define the tumour type and assess prognostic and predictive factors on an individual basis. In this review, we have summarized the current status in the pathology in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours based on the selection of references from the PubMed database. We have presented possible diagnostic approaches according to the current pituitary cell lineage-based classification. The importance of recognizing histological subtypes with potentially aggressive behaviour and identification of prognostic and predictive tissue biomarkers have been highlighted. Controversies related to particular subtypes of pituitary tumours and a still limited prognostic impact of the current classification indicate the need for further refinement. Multidisciplinary approach including clinical, pathological and molecular genetic characterization will be essential for improved personalized therapy and the search for novel therapeutic targets in patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Manojlovic-Gacic
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - J Bollerslev
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - O Casar-Borota
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Guo F, Wang G, Wang F, Xu D, Liu X. Identification of Novel Genes Involved in the Pathogenesis of an ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review. Front Oncol 2018; 8:510. [PMID: 30460199 PMCID: PMC6232249 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary carcinomas (PCs) is considerable uncommon entities with a poor prognosis that represents only 0. 1–0.2% of all pituitary tumors. There are fewer than 150 reported cases up to now. In addition, the molecular pathogenesis leading to malignant pituitary transformation remain unclear due to the rarity of PCs. Here we present an uncommon case of ACTH-secreting PCs and explore the gene mutation following pituitary adenoma transformation. Our detailed clinical, histopathological and molecular detection data suggest that novel genes of ATRX and PTEN were implicated in the pathogenesis of PCs by searching Pubmed and the Web of Science databases as well as Cosmic databank. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented rare PCs patient with novel gene mutations that included ATRX and PTEN in addition to TP53. Present finding may therefore provide significant information for targeted therapy of PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyou Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - DingKang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianzhi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Abstract
Non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors do not cause endocrine symptoms related to hypersecretion of adenohypophyseal hormones and are clinically characterized by symptoms due to growing sellar tumor mass. Histopathological classification of this tumor group has always been challenging due to their heterogeneity, limited knowledge on their biology, and diverse methodological problems. We have searched PubMed database for data related to the histopathological classification of non-functioning pituitary tumors and methods for its application. Principles of the classification and grading presented in the recently released 4th edition of the World Health Organization classification of endocrine tumors have been summarized. Based on the expression of anterior pituitary hormones and pituitary specific transcription factors, gonadotroph tumors dominate within the group of clinically non-functioning tumors, followed by corticotroph type; however, other less common types of the non-functioning tumors can be identified. Assessment of tumor cell proliferation is important to identify "high-risk adenomas." A few subtypes of non-functioning tumors belong to the category of potentially aggressive tumors, independent of the cell proliferation rate. Here, we present up to date criteria for the classification of clinically non-functioning pituitary tumors, offer a diagnostic approach for the routine clinical use, and emphasize a need for inclusion of prognostic and predictive markers in the classification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Britt Edén Engström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olivera Casar-Borota
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
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